The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is proud to announce the “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) scholarship programme, designed to support the academic advancement and qualification of talented refugees and national scholars from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda at German higher education institutions.
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Objective
Amidst conflicts and displacement in various African countries, this programme aims to contribute to the education of future leaders who will play a crucial role in the development of their home countries. “Leadership for Africa” offers scholarships for Master’s studies in Germany to qualified applicants in all fields of study, with the exception of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, law, fine arts, and architecture. All LfA scholarship holders will benefit from a complementary training programme in good governance, civil society, and career development, which must be completed alongside their regular studies.
Eligibility
The programme welcomes applications from two groups:
- Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status granted before April 2nd, 2023, in either Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, or Uganda, and possess a completed Bachelor’s degree.
- Highly qualified graduates from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, or Uganda who have completed their Bachelor’s degree and reside in their country of citizenship.
Please note that applicants with a degree in Medicine can only apply for Public Health or Biomedical Master’s programmes, as Master’s programmes in Medicine are not eligible for funding. For applicants from artistic disciplines and architecture, DAAD offers subject-specific scholarship programmes (see separate DAAD scholarship offers in the scholarship database).
Funding
The scholarship includes:
- German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
- Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in winter term 2025 (September/October 2025)
- Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!
Duration and Value
Selected candidates will generally commence their German language course in April 2025 and begin their studies at a German institution of higher education by approximately October 1st, 2025. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study for the chosen programme, which typically requires two years of full-time study for eligible Master’s programmes.
The scholarship package includes:
- Monthly scholarship rate payments of 934 EURO
- Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
- Travel allowance and yearly study allowance
- If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)
Please note that family reunions may be time-delayed or not possible during the scholarship duration, due to visa processing times for some home or host countries.
Selection Process
A pre-selection will take place based on the submitted application documents, and only complete applications with all mandatory documents will be considered. Preselected candidates will be invited to a digital interview with an independent selection committee of university professors. The main selection criteria include previous academic achievements (Bachelor’s degree), language skills, motivation, and a convincing description of the planned studies in Germany, as well as the suitable choice of study programmes in the DAAD form “Study course profile”. Social criteria such as special life circumstances, migration background, or students from non-academic families may also be considered to ensure equal opportunities.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is June 7th, 2024. Apply here.
Leadership for Africa Scholarship Programme Web Seminar Series
To assist in preparing your application, DAAD has organized a web seminar series. Please click on the topics below to register and participate.
DATE | TOPIC (Click to register) | Description |
17.04.2024 Wednesday 2 – 3 pm EAT | Introduction to the DAAD “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) scholarship programme | This is a web seminar for those who are interested in having more details on the new call for the Leadership for Africa programme for intake 2025 |
24.04.2024 Wednesday 2 – 3 pm EAT | Introduction to the German higher education system | This online seminar will provide an overview of the Higher Education System as well as types of Universities in Germany. |
08.05.2024 Wednesday 2 – 3 pm EAT | How to find Master ‘s degree courses offered by German universities | In this web seminar, we would like to inform you on how to find a Master’s programme in Germany. |
22.05.2024 Wednesday 2 – 3 pm EAT | How to apply via the DAAD Portal | In this web seminar, you will get guidance on how to make a DAAD application – the focus will be on creating a DAAD account, filling your application and uploading all required documents. |
29.05.2024 Wednesday 2 – 3 pm EAT | LfA Q & A Session | In this web seminar, we will be available to answer your last- minute questions before completing your scholarship application. |
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to become a future leader and contribute to the development of your home country. Apply now for the “Leadership for Africa” scholarship programme!